"Our district does not have representation, crime is a problem and the neighborhoods need cleaning up," Wilson said.

Roberson said the unmet needs of residents in the district compelled him to run. "They want revitalized programs in their community," he said.

All the candidates agreed infrastructure improvements and better community services are needed, including improving public transportation and revitalizing neighborhoods.

"It's time for us to move forward and cut through the red tape and move forward in the community," Florence said.

Holloway stressed the need for educational improvements along with infrastructure improvements, job recruitment and library expansions, and said she would make revamping the area's image a top priority.

"When people think of western Birmingham, they think of thugs, drug dealers, crime, violence and dilapidated homes," she said. "Nobody promotes the positives."

One of the most densely populated areas in the city has a mix of professionals and hard-working people, Wells said.

"They have never been represented," she said. "It's time to put the true citizens of District 7 first, and bring the rental properties under control."

Williams said members of the new council need to "come to the table."

"They need to focus on the good of the city instead of everybody having their own independent agendas," Williams said.